Inspired by Bluebonnets
Photo taken by Jake DeHaven
“Bluebonnets have inspired the poet’s pen, the artist’s brush, the cowboy’s dream, and the legislator’s eloquence throughout the broad spaces of Texas. Their royal beauty and enchanting fragrance have a particular message which speaks to the emotions with compelling directness.” –Mary Daggett Lake
Mary Daggett Lake was a botantist and author from Fort Worth, Texas. The State of Texas recognized her for her contributions with a historical marker. Ms. Lake was correct about the bluebonnets. They are inspiring to Texans.
In 1901, bluebonnets became the official state flower of Texas. Its scientific name is lupinus subcarnosus; however, I found many times when it is referred to as lupinus texensis. The latter name shows you how proud Texans are of these flowers.
During the springtime when bluebonnets literally cover the sides of the roadways with their beauty and intermingle with evening primroses, Indian paintbrushes, and other wildflowers, people drive around seeking a perfect spot in which to pose for a photograph. People love to use fields of bluebonnets as their backdrop.
One of my favorite things to do when it is bluebonnet season is to read Tomie dePaola’s book, The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas to my children. It is a beautiful story of sacrifice based on a Comanche legend.
If you are not familiar with the legend or book, then read the story given on Multicultural Education Through Miniatures. On this site, they also post a poem about the legend written by an unknown author. I am including this poem at the end of this article.
Tomie dePaola also wrote the book, The Legend of the Paintbrush. It is a beautiful book based on an Indian legend as well.
If you live in Texas, take the time to read these legends to your children or grandchildren. Take photographs of the wildflowers. Pick some from your yard and press them. Draw, paint, or color pictures of them. Learn the scientfic names of the flowers. Write your own story or poem about the flowers.
If you live elsewhere, then you can either learn about the flowers and legends of other places or you can do the same thing for native flowers of your area. There just might be poetry and legends about them, too. Let Ms. Lake’s words ring true in your household. Allow nature (or bluebonnets) to inspire the creativity in each and every one.
Photo by Clayton
The Legend of the Bluebonnet
The Texas fields are covered
With a blanket of deep blue.
But for a little Indian girl,
This would not be true.
Texas land was buried and dry.
Rains just would not come.
Indians danced and prayed for rain,
And beat upon their drums.
The Chief made a proclamation.
He appealed to one and all.
A prized possession must be sacrificed
Before the rains would fall.
The Indian camp was silent,
While each person searched his heart.
But when it came to sacrifice,
With possessions they would not part.
Suddenly a little girl stepped forth,
Holding her blue-clad doll.
She placed it in the roaring fire
and raindrops began to fall.
The rain brought forth the grass,
Among its blades, flowers of blue.
To be a sign for all the time
Of a love so pure and true.
~Author Unknown
[...] Inspired by Bluebonnets [...]
I was a “naturalized” Texas for awhile, and I LOVE bluebonnets! I can go into raptures over them! I love our place in Georgia, but the worst thing about it is that we don’t have bluebonnets! snif! I’ve tried, but never managed to get them to grow anywhere else.